BOB Katter laments it will be the closest thing to an American-style presidential election Australia has ever experienced, with people effectively using their votes to directly elect Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott.

Mr Katter, the federal member for Kennedy, fears the contest is focusing only on the apex of the political pyramid, meaning local candidates will avoid being held to account by voters.

"I think it is a measure of how far we've fallen in Australia," says Mr Katter, who argues local issues are being swept aside as the 2013 election becomes a pure national leadership referendum.

Federal elections have always been that way, to a point, but this time even more so. Despite Mr Rudd's promise to be more inclusive with his party, his emergency reinstatement has only fortified his inexplicable cult of personality.

"It's not only a presidential election, but a presidential-style government if Kevin wins," says Mr Katter. "This time, they will all owe their seats to Kevin."

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Comments on this story

Todd of act Posted at 11:11 PM July 16, 2013

"When it's Gillard against Abbott, Abbott's going to win by the length of a straight. When it's Rudd against Abbott, what's changed? Is there any radical change of policy? I don't think so."
LOL so abbott was going to beat julia without one policy,he has never stated a policy no vision the media had done it for him.But now Rudd is back "Oh lordy it's not about policy" give me a break

Comment 1 of 11

Dan of Brisbane Posted at 11:19 PM July 16, 2013

Hate to say it, but Katter is right about this. Our government stays in a perpetual state of campaigning. Polls are dictating everything. How can we think about he future when changes are being made based on polls that come weekly. Government, media, and the people should be ashamed.

Comment 2 of 11

Wayne P of Perth Posted at 11:43 PM July 16, 2013

The independents screwed their electorate at the last election by siding with the Labor party. Katter is complaining now about local candidates not being held to account?
What an absolute joke.

Comment 3 of 11

jim in oz of Australia Posted at 11:46 PM July 16, 2013

Hate to ever agree with Bob Katter but on this issue I think he is right but then a break with the Commonwealth is also one of Rudds wishes. I used to be against that too but now I want it to happen before Australia bring down the Commonwealth and all the decent Countries in it.

Comment 4 of 11

Adam Posted at 11:55 PM July 16, 2013

Please don't tell me we are going to end up like we did last time, with the Greens and so called Independents holding the country to ransom again ?

Comment 5 of 11

saint of sydney Posted at 12:16 AM July 17, 2013

The minority party has been a problem dictating policy that is so narrow minded and counter productive. The earlier they disappear, the better.

Comment 6 of 11

David of Adelaide Posted at 12:27 AM July 17, 2013

People should vote for the party and their local member rather than focussing on personality of leaders.

Comment 7 of 11

Stephen Sanderson of Bronte Posted at 12:30 AM July 17, 2013

Perhaps that's why Tony Abbott doesn't feel he has to explain his policies in any detail or how he will pay for them. Mr Katter is right and it's about time the media put pressure on both sides of politics to give Australians a very clear picture of what they are offering and exactly how much it will cost.

Comment 8 of 11

John of Qld Posted at 12:58 AM July 17, 2013

I am not sure about that, but one thing I am very sure about is it wont be Rudd or Abbott... Palmer maybe.

Comment 9 of 11

Kirk of Australia Posted at 1:11 AM July 17, 2013

There's no difference no to when Gillard was in charge. People were voting against Gillard, not for Abbott (both were rated poorly as leaders). Katter is only talking about it now, as it is in his interest to undermine Rudd.
Regardless of whether he's independent or not, he's still a coalition crony at heart.

Comment 10 of 11

Wake Up Australia of Brisbane Posted at 1:25 AM July 17, 2013

We are not America we don't vote for a party leader but the party itself. When are you idiots going to wake up & realise that just because KRUDD is back NOTHING has changed with the Labor Party. They are still incompetent money wasting fools. You may vote for KRUDD but who's to say he will still be leader in 12 months time. His party will get fed up with his arrogant controlling ways & stab him in the back again. They brought him back to save their rear ends NOT because they care about the Australian people. Please look to the big picture the policies, not how many babies KRUDD can kiss. Make this next election count & letâs get this fantastic country back on track.

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